RF device in drinkware to record data/initiate sequence of behavior

ABSTRACT

A drinkware is provided to provide information to a receiver. The drinkware is a RF device coupled to a handheld drinking container. The RF device can receive and send RF signals and communicate with a sensory device. A transmitter can send a signal to the communication device, which then activates sensory device. The RF device can communicate with the transmitter to control a fountain machine.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/513,662, filed Oct. 23, 2003 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/518,904, filed Nov. 10, 2003. Eachof the foregoing applications is hereby expressly incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to consumer products and,particularly, to drinkware associated with a receiver and/ortransmitter.

2. Description of the Related Art

Drinkware typically are containers that hold a drinkable liquid, such aswater, fountain drinks, or the like. Many times, drinkware filled with aliquid is sold at stadiums, theme or amusement parks, movie theaters,restaurants, complexes, and events (e.g., county fairs). For example,many times drinkware available at an amusement park incorporates anadvertisement for either the amusement park or a drink manufacturer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Conventional drinkware may not in itself entertain or enhance theexperience of a person at one of the aforementioned locations. Inparticular, conventional drinkware with advertisements is unlikelyentertain or enhance the experience of a person at the amusement park.Further, it is important that amusement parks use drinkware thatincreases drink sales. Conventional drinkware may not further encouragepeople to purchase drinks. As a result, people at amusement parks maybuy drinks primarily because of thirst, not because of drinkware. Thus,the amusement park is losing drink sales because the drinkware itselfmay not provide a motivation to purchase the drinkware.

Drinkware found in homes typically does not entertain and is notinteractive. For example, in many instances a person plays a video gameand a drink is nearby. Unfortunately, the drinkware merely holds aliquid and does not further the video game experience. Thus,conventional drinkware cannot perform functions, thus resulting inreduced drinkware sales and enjoyment.

Restaurants may have a policy that the customer can purchase a cup,which they can fill one time at a self serve fountain machine. If thecustomer wants to refill their cup, they may have to pay for the refill.Despite the restaurant's policy, customers may refill their cups withoutmaking proper payment. The restaurant may also have a policy thatcustomers cannot use a single cup for multiple visits to the restaurant.For example, the restaurant may sell the cup to the customer so that thecustomer can refill the cup during a single continuous visit, but cannotrefill the cup during a subsequent visit. Despite the restaurant'spolicy, after the customer purchases the cup leaves the restaurant, thecustomer may return to the restaurant for a second visit and reuse thesame cup that they purchased during the first visit without making anypayment. The restaurant loses money because the customer did not makethe required payment for their drink. Thus, the restaurant loses costlyliquid. Additionally, the restaurant may have a lost sale because thecustomer might have purchased a drink during the subsequent visit ifthey could not reuse cups.

There is provided in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention a consumer product, desirably drinkware, and more desirably adrinking container that comprises a sensory device coupled to thedrinking container. The sensory device is a broad term and includes, forexample, a light, vibrator (e.g., a rotating unbalanced mass), speaker,articulating part, visual display, and the like.

In one embodiment, drinking container comprises a receiver/transmitterthat is capable of sending and receiving various signals. In one anotherembodiment, the drinking container comprises a receiver and a switch.The switch can be in communication with the sensory device to activateor deactivate the sensory device. In another embodiment, the drinkingcontainer comprises a receiver sensory device capable of receiving asignal.

A RF device is particularly desirable because it can be used to send andreceive signals. In one embodiment, the receiver and/or transmitter,such as a RF device, is desirably coupled to the drinking container andis capable of receiving a signal, such as an RF signal. Further, the RFdevice is in communication with the sensory device. In one embodiment,the drinking container has a power supply connected to both the RFdevice and the sensory device.

In another embodiment, a drinking system comprises a handheld drinkingcontainer, a transmitter, a communication device, and a sensory device.The sensory device is coupled to the handheld drinking container. Thecommunication device is also coupled to the handheld drinking containerand is in communication with both the transmitter and the sensorydevice.

In one embodiment, the transmitter can send a signal (e.g., RF signal)and the communication device can receive the signal. Further, thecommunication device comprises a RF chip powered by a power supply thatcan send a RF signal. In another embodiment, the communication devicecomprises a radio frequency identification chip. Further, a timer can bein communication with the communication device and/or the sensorydevice.

In one embodiment, a method of dispensing a liquid comprises providing ahandheld drinking container having a RF device. A transmitter isprovided that communicates with the RF device. A fountain machine beingcapable of dispensing a liquid is controlled in response to thecommunication between the transmitter and the RF device. Further, thehandheld drinking container can be a disposable cup. The fountainmachine can be controlled based on the amount of liquid dispensed intothe handheld drinking container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a drinkware device and atransmitter;

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a communication device;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drinkware device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a communication device;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a transmitter and a communication device;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a transmitter and a communication device inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a drinkware device in accordance withanother embodiment

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a transmitter and a communicationdevice in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a program of in accordance with anotherembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a drinkware device 2 comprising ahandheld container 10 capable of holding liquid having a communicationdevice or radio frequency (RF) device 20, which is in communication witha sensory device 40. Drinkware as used herein is intended as a broadterm and includes, for example, cups, mugs, straws, and bottles. The RFdevice 20 communicates with the sensory device 40 in response to signals(e.g., a RF signal) received from a transmitter, desirably in the formof a RF transmitter 80.

The container 10 can hold liquid and is configured so that a person canconveniently hold and drink the liquid. In the illustrated embodiment,the container 10 is a tapered cylindrical cup having an opening 4 at oneend and a closed bottom 6 at the other end. The container 10 has a wall12 extends between the opening 4 and the bottom 6 and has an innersurface 14 and an outer surface 8. The container 10 is sized to beconveniently held by a person and can be made of glass, plastic,ceramic, coated cardboard/paper, wood pulp, or the like. Additionally,the container 10 can be disposable or reusable. For example, thecontainer 10 made from a ceramic is washable and reusable.

The RF device 20 is coupled to the container 10 and communicates withthe sensory device 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the RF device 20is attached to the outer surface 8 of the container 10 by, e.g., anadhesive or fasteners. For example, an adhesive, such as epoxy, cancouple a back face 30 (as shown in FIG. 1A) of the RF device 20 to thesurface 8 of the container 10. The back face 30 can have a curvedsurface with a curvature similar to the curvature of surface 8 to ensurea secure bond between the RF device 20 and the container 10.Additionally, the RF device 20 can be flexible so that the back face 30can conveniently attached to the surface 8. Those skilled in the artrecognize that there are various techniques for coupling the RF device20 to the container 10. For example, although not illustrated, the RFdevice 20 can be attached to the inner surface 14 of the container 10.Of course, a protective layer or housing can prevent contact between theelectrical components/circuits of the RF device 20 and the liquid heldwithin the container 10. Advantageously, the RF device 20 can be part ofa label that can be conveniently attached to the container 10. Forexample, the label could be either an advertisement or data (e.g., a barcode) related to the container or liquid. For easy manufacturing, thelabel can have an adhesive side that can be conveniently affixed to aconventional container (e.g., cup, glass, mug). The label could beattached to the inner surface 14, the outer surface 8, or the bottom 6of the container 10. Additionally, inexpensive disposable labels can becoupled to containers 10, which are disposable. In one embodiment, theRF device 20 can be imbedded in the wall 12 of the container. Forexample, the RF device 20 can be imbedded in the inner surface 14 or theouter surface 8. The container 10 can also be a disposable cup,preferably sold a restaurant, as discussed below.

In one embodiment, the RF device 20 is a radio frequency identificationchip (RFID). Preferably, the transmitter 80 provides an output thatpowers the RF device 20. In other words, the RF device 20 does notrequire a power supply 26 because the RF device 20 can have a circuit 80powered by the transmitter 80. The circuit 80 can modulate waves, whichare then are sent back to a receiver.

The sensory device 40 generates or provides an output that can beperceived by a person. For example, the sensory device 40 can be alight, vibrator (e.g., a rotating unbalanced mass), speaker,articulating part, visual display, or the like. Preferably, the sensorydevice 40 provides and output that is related to the proximateenvironment. For example, the drinkware device 2 has a sensory device 40in form of a light and can be sold at a baseball stadium. When a batterhits a home run, the sensory device 40 located in the stands can beilluminated. Thus, a plurality of drinkware devices 2 can be illuminatedresulting in a spectacular display of light. Alternatively, the sensorydevice 40 could be a shape or symbol that could be light up. Forexample, an amusement/entertainment park can have a show where people inthe audience have the drinkware device 2. The sensory device 40 can be asymbol (e.g., Mickey Mouse) related to the show and could light up atvarious strategic times in during the show. Similarly, the audience mayenjoy the visual display of the sensory devices 40, which may promotesales of the drinkware 2. Thus, various sensory devices 40 can be usedthroughout a single venue to further enhance people's enjoyment, whileincreasing drink sales. Those skilled in the art recognize that thesensory device 40 could be disposed on the outer surface 8 or innersurface 14 of the container 10, within the wall 12, on the bottom 6, orthe like. For example, the sensory device 40 in the form of a lightcould be attached to the outer surface 8, while sensory device 40 in theform of a vibrator could be embedded in the wall 12 (as shown in FIG.2). Thus, there can be a plurality of sensory devices 40 in variouslocations of the drinkware 2.

The transmitter 80 can send a signal to the RF device 20 and,preferably, has a range of 300 yards. Thus, the transmitter 80 can senda signal to the RF device 20 up to an access point 300 yards away. Inone embodiment, there can be a plurality of transmitters 80 that form anetwork for communicating with the RF device 20. For example, anamusement park can have the plurality of transmitters 80 that arestrategically placed throughout the park such that the RF device 20 canreceive a signal anywhere in the park. Alternatively, the amusement parkcould provide signal from the transmitter 80 to particular regions ofthe park. In operation, the transmitter 80 can send information orinstructions to the RF device 20. In one embodiment, the transmitter 80can instruct the RF device 20 to activate or deactivate the sensorydevice 40. For example, the RF device 20 can activate the sensory device40 for a period of time or sequence. Those skilled in art recognize thatthe device 20 can include a circuit, controller, receiver and/ortransmitter, or the like that can perform a series of steps in responseto the transmission or signal. The device 20 can illuminate a series ofilluminated images in order to give the appearance of movement, such asa fish or whale jumping.

The device 2 can comprise a timer that is in communication with thesensory device 40 and/or the device 20. For example, the device 20 couldactivate the sensory device 40 and the timer can be employed todeactivate the sensory device 40 at a desired time. Of course, the timercan be employed so that device 20 sends a signal to a receiver at adesired time.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the drinkware device 2 comprisingthe container 10 with the wall 12, which surrounds the RF device 20. Thewall 12 can reduce damage to the embedded RF device 20 because liquidcannot contact the RF device 20. Additionally, the wall 12 can reducedamage to the RF device 20 from incidental contact, such as by bumpingthe drinkware device 2 against a surface. The drinkware device 2 can beformed by molding the container 10 around the RF device 20. The moldingprocess can be a one step or a multi-step process. For example, a firstportion of the container 10 can be molded and then the RF device 20 canbe attached to the first portion. An overlay or second portion can thenbe formed over both the first portion and the RF device 20. Of course,the RF device 20 can have various shapes and sizes. Preferably, the RFdevice 20 has a thickness t1 less than then the thickness of t2 of thewall 12. Those skilled in the art recognize that various techniques canbe employed for embedding the RF receiver in the container 10.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the RF device 20 comprising anantenna 24 in communication with a RF chip 22 powered by a power supply26 (e.g., a battery). The antenna 24 is capable of receiving a signalsent by the transmitter 80 (shown in FIG. 1), or transmitting a signalto the transmitter 80. The antenna 24 communicates the signal sent fromthe transmitter 80 to the RF chip 22. The RF chip 22 can energize oractuate the sensory device 40, which may also be powered the powersupply 26. Preferably, the RF chip 22 is about 2 mm wide and 2 mm longand can receive the signal sent by transmitter 80 up to 300 yards away.In one embodiment, the RF device 20 has an amplifier 28 to ensure thatthe signal from the RF chip 22 can drive the sensory device 40. In theillustrated embodiment, the RF device 20 comprises storage device 18 forstoring data that can be transmitted from the RF device 20 to a receiver90. The receiver 90 can receive and interpret the data, as discussedbelow. Those skilled in the art recognize that other embodiments of theRF device 20 may comprise the RF chip 22. The RF chip 22 can be incommunication with various separate components, such as the power supply26, antenna 24, storage device 18, and amplifier 28.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a transmitter and a communication device.In one embodiment, the RF device 20 can receive a first signal from thetransmitter 80 and can transmit a second signal to the receiver 90. FIG.5 is a schematic illustration of a processor 30 in communication withthe RF device 20 and the sensory device 40. In one embodiment, theprocessor 30 receives a signal from the RF chip 22 and processes thesignal and then sends the processed signal to the sensory device 40. Theprocessor 30 can be part of the RF device 20 or a separate component.

In operation, the transmitter 80 sends a signal or signals to the RFdevice 20, which activates the sensory device 40. The sensory device 40is powered by the power supply 26 or an alternative power supply and isactivated for a period of time or a sequence. The period of time can berelated to the surrounding environment, such as events during a show.Alternatively, the RF device 20 can receive a first signal from thetransmitter 80 to activate the sensory device 40. The sensory device 40remains activated until the RF device 20 deactivates the sensory device40 in response to second signal from the transmitter 80. Alternatively,the RF device 20 can activate the sensory device 40 for a sequence. Forexample, the sensory device 40 can be light or series of lights that isilluminated for repeating periods of time.

In one embodiment, the RF device 20 functions as a receiver andtransmitter for information data. For example, the RF device 20 can be areceiver that programmed (i.e., stored on the storage device 18) with auser's information, such as their name, age, sex, and drink type. The RFdevice 20 can be programmed by a signal sent from the transmitter 80 ordirectly by the user. When the user goes to a vendor (e.g., a concessionstand, bar, restaurant) the user's information is transmitted from theRF device 20 to the transmitter/receiver 80, which is in communicationwith the vendor. The transmitted information can be provided to workersat the vendor so that the workers can greet the user by name resultingin a very personal and enjoyable experience. The drinkware device 2 alsopermits the vendor to track and monitor the sales of drinks. The vendorscan use the information when taking inventory, advertising, performingbehavioral analysis, and the like. Advantageously, if the vendor hasmany distribution locations (such as an amusement park with manyconcession stands), a network can link all the distribution locations.Thus, workers at different distribution locations can greet the user byname and engage is a pleasant conversation. For example, a worker at anamusement park can ask the user whether they enjoyed their last show,event, ride, or the like. This can increase the user's enjoyment levelwhile at the amusement park.

In one embodiment, the RF device 20 stores information corresponding toan amount of money. For example, the user could purchase the drinkwaredevice 2 charged with $30, which is stored by the storage device 18 ofthe RF device 20. When the user buys a refill, the vendor can simplydeduct the amount of money stored on the storage device 18 by the costof the drink/refill. Advantageously, the user can simple carry thedrinkware device 2 to the cashier and does not have to carry aroundmoney, a debt card, or a charge card. Alternatively, vendors can selldrinks with a limited number of refills. For example, a self-serverestaurant can sell a drink cup that includes two refills. When the userrefills the drinkware 2, the RF device 20 and transmitter 80, which isin communication with the fountain machine, communicate so that therefill is recorded. After two refills, the fountain machine will notrefill the user's drinkware 2. Of course, the communication device 20can be a passive device that is recognized by the receiver. The receivercan be on the fountain machine and monitors the number of refillsobtained by the user. Advantageously, the communication device 20 (e.g.,RFID) does not require the power supply 26.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the drinkware device 2 has the RF device 20,which is coupled to the container 10 and in communication with theregister system 306 and/or the liquid dispenser system 403. In theillustrated embodiment, the register system 306 and the liquid dispensersystem 403 are in communication with a controller 310.

The register system 306 comprises a transmitter 80′ (as discussed above)that preferably communicates with a register 304. The register couldinclude an integrated transmitter. Alternatively, the system could use aseparate transmitter which does not communicate with the register and,for example, includes a separate input device, such as a touch pad. Inone embodiment, the register 304 is a cash register that is used todetermine the cost of the customer's order. The transmitter 80′ can bein communication with the register so that data is exchanged between theRF device 20 and 80′ when the customer buys a drink and receives thedrinkware device 2, preferably to use with a self serve fountainmachine.

The liquid dispenser system 403 comprises a liquid dispenser in the formof a fountain machine 402 in communication with the transmitter 80. Thefountain machine 402 comprises a lever 408 that can be moved to cause anozzle 400 to dispense a liquid, such as soda. Although not illustrated,the fountain machine 402 can have a button that can be depressed tocause liquid to be dispensed from the nozzle 400 or can comprise asensor which detects the presence of the cup and actuates the dispenser.The fountain machine 402 can have plurality of nozzles 400, 400′ andlevers 408, 408′, similar to conventional multi-drink self servefountain machines.

The controller 310 can be in communication with the register system 306and the liquid dispensing system 403. The register system 306 and liquiddispensing system 403 have the transmitters 80′, 80, respectively, andare in communication with controller 310. For example, the controller310 can receive signals from the transmitter 80′ and then cancommunicate with the liquid dispensing system 403 to cause the fountainmachine 402 to dispense or not dispense liquid when the lever 408 ismoved. In one embodiment, when the customer buys a drink, the register304 sends a signal based on data from the transmitter 80′. Thecontroller 310 can communicate with the transmitter 80 to control theliquid dispensed by the fountain machine 402. Alternatively, thecontroller 310 can let the restaurant know, for example, through asignal to the register system and/or a display, that someone is seekingan unauthorized refill. Preferably, the transmitter 80 is proximate tothe fountain machine 402 to ensure proper communication between thetransmitter 80 and the device 20. Although not illustrated, thecontroller 310 can be at various locations on the vendor' premises. Forexample, the controller 310 can be within a housing 404 of the fountainmachine 403 or underneath a counter, preferably not accessible to thepublic. Of course, the vendor can be a drink seller, such as a fast foodrestaurant, food court, a concession stand (e.g., at an amusement park),cafeteria, or the like.

As discussed above, the drinkware device 2 can preferably be adisposable cup that is sold by a vendor, such as a restaurant. Thedrinkware device 2 can made of inexpensive containers 10, such as papercups, and inexpensive RF devices 20 for a low cost drinking containerthat can be sold in restaurants, preferably fast food restaurants.

Customers may buy a drink at a vendor in the form of a restaurant wherethe restaurant provides the customer with a cup that the customer takesto a self serve fountain machine. Upon reaching the fountain machine,the customer can fill up the cup with a liquid (e.g., soda) themselves.The controller 310 can be programmed to determine whether the drinkwaredevice 2 should be filled by the fountain machine 402. The restaurantmay limit the number of refills or prohibit customers from using asingle cup for multiple visits to the restaurant. Despite therestaurant's policies, customers may refill up their cup more than theallowed number of times without making proper payment. Restaurants mayhave a policy that the customer can purchase a cup that they can fillone time. If the customer wants to refill their cup, they may have topay for the refill. Other times, restaurants may also have a policy thatcustomers cannot use the same cup for multiple visits to the restaurant.For example, the restaurant may sell the cup to the customer so that thecustomer can refill the cup during a single continuous visit to therestaurant. Despite the restaurant's policies, after the customer leavesthe restaurant, the individual may return to the restaurant for a secondvisit and reuses the cup that they purchased during the first visitwithout making any payment.

A program 900 can be used by the controller 310 and can be based ontime, amount of liquid dispensed, number of fill ups, or the like. Thecustomer can buy a drink, i.e. device 2, in a restaurant. The device 2and the register system 306 communicate and provide data to thecontroller 310. In one embodiment, the transmitter 80′ sends andreceives a signal from the RF device 20 and provides data to theregister 304, which sends a signal to the controller 310 indicating thatthe device 2 has been purchased. The register system 306 communicateswith the controller 310 which can have the program 900 to limit theamount of liquid that the fountain machine 402 dispenses to any onedrinkware device 2.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating steps of the program 900 that can beused by the controller 310. In step 1000, the RF device 20 communicateswith the transmitter 80. Preferably, the RF device 20 and thetransmitter 80 communicate the when the drinkware device 2 is under ornear the nozzle 400. Thus, the fountain machine 402 can have a pluralityof nozzles 400, 400′ and can determine which of the nozzles 400, 400′the drinkware device 2 is under or near.

In step 1002, the liquid dispensing system 403 sends a signal to thecontroller 310 that the device 2 is under the nozzle 400. In step 1004the controller 310 determines whether the liquid dispensing system 310should dispense liquid out of the nozzle 400 to fill device 2. In oneembodiment, for example, the fountain machine 402 only fills thedrinkware device 2 one time. After the drinkware device 2 is filled, thefountain machine 402 will not dispense liquid out of the nozzle 400 whenthe lever 408 is moved. In another embodiment, the fountain machine 402can fill the drinkware device 2 a certain number of times. After thedrinkware device 2 is filled the set number of times, the fountainmachine 402 will not dispense liquid out of the nozzle 400 when thelever 408 is moved. In yet another embodiment, the fountain machine 402can fill the drinkware device 3 during a period of time. For example,the register system 304 can communicate to indicate to the controller310 that the drinkware device 2 has been sold. The controller 310permits the drinkware device 2 to be filled for the period of time,preferably in the range of about 0.5 hour to 1 hour. Thus, the customercan fill the drinkware device 2 while they eat. Alternatively, the timeperiod could be one half day or all day. However, the customer cannotfill the drinkware device 2 during another visit after the programmedperiod of time.

If the program 900 determines that the fountain machine 403 shoulddispense liquid, the controller proceeds to step 1006 and sends a signalto the fountain machine 402 so that the fountain machine 402 dispensesliquid into the drinkware 2, under the nozzle 400, when the lever 408 ismoved. However, if the program determines that the fountain machine 402should not dispense liquid, the controller proceeds to step 1008 andsends a signal to the fountain machine 402 so that the fountain machine402 does not dispense liquid into the drinkware 2 under the nozzle 400when the lever 408 is moved. If the fountain machine 402 has a pluralityof nozzles 400, 400′ the fountain machine 402 can fill the drinkwaredevice 2 under the nozzle 400 while not filling another drinkware device2 under the other nozzle 400. That is, the program 900 can operateindependently for each nozzle of the fountain machine 402. Again, if anindividual tries to have the fountain machine 402 dispense liquid inviolation of the restaurant's policies, the liquid dispensing system 403can have a buzzer, alarm, or the like, to alert the workers at therestaurant that the individual is improperly trying to obtain a drink.

In one embodiment, the drinkware device 2 can have a RF device 20responsive to a video game. For example, the user can play a web-basedgame on a computer. The RF device 20 can receive a signal from thecomputer and then activates the sensory device 40 at various times(e.g., when a player or enemy dies) during the game. The activation ofthe sensory device 40 can further increase the user's satisfactionduring the gaming experience.

Those skilled in the art recognize that the RF device 20 can be used invarious other applications. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, theRF device 20 can be coupled to a straw 200. Of course, the RF device 20could also be coupled to a lid for a cup.

While particular forms of the invention have been described, it will beapparent that various modifications can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intendedthat the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

1. A drinking container comprising: a sensory device coupled to thedrinking container; and a receiver coupled to the drinking container andcapable of receiving signals, the receiver in communication with thesensory device.
 2. The drinking container of claim 1, further comprisinga power supply connected to the receiver and the sensory device.
 3. Thedrinking container of claim 1, wherein the drinking container has awall, and the receiver is within the wall.
 4. The drinking container ofclaim 1, wherein the drinking container has an outer surface, and thereceiver is attached to the outer surface.
 5. A drinking systemcomprising: a handheld drinking container; a transmitter; a sensorydevice coupled to the handheld drinking container; and a communicationdevice coupled to the handheld drinking container in communication withthe transmitter and the sensory device.
 6. The drinking system of claim5, wherein the transmitter can send a RF signal and the communicationdevice can receive the RF signal.
 7. The drinking system of claim 6,wherein the communication device can send a RF signal.
 8. The drinkingsystem of claim 5, wherein the communication device comprises a RF chippowered by a power supply.
 9. The drinking system of claim 5, whereinthe communication device comprises a radio frequency identificationchip.
 10. A drinking container, comprising; a communication deviceattached to the drinking container capable of receiving and transmittingsignals.
 11. The drinking container of claim 10, further comprising asensory device attached to the container in communication with thecommunication device, wherein the communication device is a RF circuitconfigured to receive a signal from a transmitter and transmit a signalto a receiver.
 12. A drinking container comprising: a sensory devicecoupled to the container; a receiver communication device coupled to thecontainer; and a switch coupled to the container in communication withthe receiver communication device and the sensory device.
 13. Thecontainer of claim 12, wherein the receiver communication device isconfigured to send a signal to the switch to cause the switch toactivate the sensory device.
 14. The container of claim 12, wherein thereceiver communication device is a signal receiver and signaltransmitter.
 15. A drinking system comprising: a handheld drinkingcontainer; a receiver sensory device coupled to the drinking containerand capable of receiving a signal.
 16. The drinking system of claim 15,wherein the receiver sensory device is a RF circuit in communicationwith a light, which is powered by a battery.
 17. A method of dispensinga liquid comprising: providing a handheld drinking container having a RFdevice; providing a transmitter that communicates with the RF device;controlling a fountain machine being capable of dispensing a liquid inresponse to the communication between the transmitter and the RF deviceand/or sending a signal that an unauthorized refill is attempted. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the handheld drinking container is adisposable cup.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the fountain machineis controlled based on the amount of liquid dispensed into the handhelddrinking container.